President Bola Tinubu approved funds for major information agencies, but the money remains locked up in a dispute between the permanent secretary and agency heads. The holdup affects the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria, and other government broadcasting bodies.
Binyerem Ukaire, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, has refused to sign off on payment documents. She wants the agency heads to present their plans and project details before she releases the cash, according to Premium Times.
The funds came through about three weeks ago, but no figures have been made public. Officials say the delay has crippled agency operations and stalled critical projects.
Some agency heads rejected Ukaire's demand, arguing that such presentations fall outside normal protocol between ministries and government-owned bodies. They say they answer to their boards and the supervising minister, not directly to permanent secretaries.
Minister Mohammed Idris tried to settle the row but failed. The standoff raises fresh questions about how much control ministries should wield over the finances of independent agencies.
A 1999 circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation warned against this exact scenario. It spelled out that agencies created with independence must be allowed to operate freely without ministry interference in daily management or finances.
The circular also barred ministries from redirecting agency funds to other activities or forcing agencies to cover unrelated costs. But nobody's sure if the 1999 rules still hold weight today.
Ukaire confirmed the funds haven't moved yet when asked about the report. She said the payment process continues, though she gave no timeline for release.
The gridlock fits a wider pattern troubling federal lawmakers. Slow budget rollouts have plagued implementation across government, leaving projects unfunded and cash drying up for months.
